Children’s Sermon

Matthew 16:21-28

It’s Character Building

OBJECTS SUGGESTED:

Sports equipment, walking shoes, a bike

There are many ways we can exercise our body. We can ride a bike, play soccer or baseball, take walks, run a race, swing on monkey bars, or climb playground pyramids. What are the active things you like to do? The more we use our muscles, the stronger they become.

There are also things we can do to make our character strong. Our character is who we are – if we have a good, strong character others will see us as being honest, kind, dependable, generous, and brave. Can you think of other good character traits?

Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself” (16:24). This Bible verse means that at times we must make a choice to do something we would rather not do. Wouldn’t you rather watch a favorite video than do the dishes? Wouldn’t you rather go to the beach than pull weeds in the garden? Wouldn’t you rather play with your friends than clean your room? Each time you make a choice to deny yourself and do something that helps others, you are building and strengthening your character. You are becoming a stronger Christian – more like Jesus.

Scripture quotations from the World English Bible